University of Waterloo student and graduate named finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships
Recognized for their leadership potential, University of Waterloo student Benie Matoka Mabondo (BASc'25) and graduate Richard Wu (BSc’19) are national finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. They will travel to Montreal to attend final interviews in March, with travel expenses covered by the scholarship program.
The result of a landmark $200-million gift, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. Each scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible degree, a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms, summer funding options, mentorship, coaching, a leadership curriculum, and access to the McCall MacBain House. A relocation grant is provided for scholars originating from outside of Montreal.
Benie and Richard are two of 52 Canadian finalists chosen from approximately 700 applicants after a first round of interviews. The selection process emphasizes holistic criteria such as character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
Benie Matoka Mabondo is a Mechatronics Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. After immigrating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she founded and coordinates a platform to encourage girls there to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
On campus, Benie is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers. She volunteered as the Social Events Director for the Canadian Engineering Competition and provided English/French interpretation during the event. With support from the University of Waterloo's Powering Change program and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships, Benie contributed to a clean energy project in Uganda. She also conducted research on the impact of decarbonization methods in cities.
Benie is applying for master's programs in McGill's Faculty of Engineering.
"As an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, being a finalist is an honour,” Benie said. “It’s a testament to resilience and community support, and it inspires me to continue creating opportunities for others, especially girls in STEM."
Richard Wu led the Federation of Students (now WUSA) from 2018 to 2019. In this role, he worked with the team to launch new student services and advocated for the university to adopt the Okanagan Charter for health and wellbeing. Richard went on to pursue a second bachelor's degree at York University, majoring in global health, and now works as a clerical assistant at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He also supports his family as a caregiver, volunteers as a patient and family advisor for Ontario Health, and is working on a research study on housing insecurity, energy insecurity, and mental health in Ghana.
Richard is applying for master's programs in Medical and Health Sciences at McGill. He hopes to one day make meaningful contributions to health policy and humanitarian efforts.
“It is a great honour and privilege to have been named a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships,” Richard said. I am deeply grateful to all of the incredible people who have supported and believed in me throughout this process, and I am excited to join such an accomplished group of changemakers!”
“We need more leaders who act with integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “We congratulate these students who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates nationally and globally, and we thank the universities that nominated them for this opportunity.”
During their visit to Montreal, Benie and Richard will participate in interviews with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 or $20,000 for their studies at McGill.
Graduate students are eligible to apply for the Mccall MacBain scholarships if they earned their first bachelor's degree in the last five years or they earned their first bachelor's degree more than five years ago but are 30 years old or younger.
Applications will open in June 2025 for the 2026 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.